Sikh Achievers Shaping the World

Bhai Vir Singh

Bhai Vir Singh, Sir Sunder Singh Majithia — Founders of the First Sikh Bank

In 1908, they founded Punjab & Sind Bank to empower Sikh farmers, small traders, and the broader community through ethical, community-rooted banking. It symbolized economic self-reliance for Sikhs.

Sardar Manmohan Singh

Sardar Manmohan Singh — First Sikh to Fly from England to India

In 1930, he became the first Sikh aviator to successfully fly an aircraft from England to India — a pioneering moment for Indian aviation.

Sardar Manohar Singh & Hardayal Singh

Sardar Manohar Singh & Sardar Hardayal Singh — Engineers Who Built Kathmandu’s Water Systems

In 1931, Manohar Singh helped design and lay Kathmandu’s water pipelines. With his son Hardayal Singh, they contributed significantly to Nepal’s water and road development.

Dr. Narinder Singh Kapany

Dr. Narinder Singh Kapany — Father of Fiber Optics

Born in 1926, Dr. Kapany revolutionized global communications with his invention of fiber optics in the 1950s. He coined the term “fiber optics” in 1960 and held over 120 patents, making modern internet and laser surgeries possible.

Mahan Singh

Mahan Singh — Father of Kenyan Hockey

Born in 1902 in Punjab, Mahan Singh emigrated to Kenya and passionately built up hockey, leading Kenya to its first Olympic Games appearance in 1956. He was also a founding member of Sikh Union Nairobi and an international hockey umpire.

Sardar Pritam Singh

Sardar Pritam Singh — The Transport King of Nepal

In 1959, Sardar Pritam Singh founded Nepal Public Motor Service with just three trucks. His fleet grew to 300 trucks, building roads and connecting remote Himalayan communities. He also built gurdwaras in Nepal.

Prithipal Singh

Prithipal Singh — World’s Most Feared Hockey Player

Known as the “King of Short Corner,” Prithipal Singh won Olympic medals in Rome (1960, silver), Tokyo (1964, gold), and Mexico (1968, bronze). He was the first hockey player to receive the Arjuna Award (1961).

Didar Singh Bains

Didar Singh Bains — The Peach King of California

Arriving in the U.S. with just $8, Bains built a $50 million farming empire, becoming the “Peach King.” He also founded the Annual Sikh Parade in Yuba City.

Judge Mota Singh

Judge Mota Singh — First Sikh & Asian Judge in the UK

Mota Singh became the first Asian judge in England and the first to serve wearing a turban rather than a wig. He was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 2010.

Kaur Singh

Kaur Singh — Boxer Who Fought Muhammad Ali

Kaur Singh is the only Indian boxer to face Muhammad Ali (1980) in an exhibition match. He won Asian Games gold (1982) and received the Arjuna Award and Padma Shri.

Dr. Hardial Singh Sehmbhi

Dr. Hardial Singh Sehmbhi — The World’s Most Educated Man

Dr. Sehmbhi from Jagraon, Punjab, achieved 35 degrees, including 21 postgraduates. Alongside his academic career, he served India as a Colonel in the Military Engineering Services.

Inder Raj Singh Ahluwalia

Inder Raj Singh Ahluwalia — World-Renowned Travel Journalist

Celebrated as the “best travel journalist in the world,” Ahluwalia traveled to 100+ countries, winning awards like the Mark Twain Journalism Award.

Tarlok Singh Sahota

Tarlok Singh Sahota — Pioneer of Unconventional Crops in Canada

In Ontario, Canada, Dr. Sahota introduced new crops like chickpeas and black barley to northern climates, boosting sustainable agriculture.

Ravi Singh

Ravi Singh — Founder of ElectionMall Technologies

Revolutionized digital political campaigns across the world, providing tech solutions for political candidates.

Harjit Singh Sajjan

Harjit Singh Sajjan — First Sikh Canadian Minister of National Defence

A decorated Canadian soldier, Harjit Singh Sajjan became the first Sikh to serve as Canada's Minister of National Defence. His military career and leadership in peacekeeping missions in Bosnia, Afghanistan, and other regions are highly regarded.

Gurtej Singh

Gurtej Singh — Scientist with More Patents than Edison

Living in Boise, USA, Gurtej Singh holds over 1,299 patents, making him one of the world’s most prolific inventors, specializing in semiconductor technologies.

Dr. Soram Singh Khalsa

Dr. Soram Singh Khalsa — Top Hollywood Doctor

A pioneering integrative medicine physician in Beverly Hills, Dr. Khalsa treated many celebrities with holistic methods. He passed away in 2024, leaving a rich legacy in alternative medicine.

Milkha Singh

Milkha Singh — Popularly known as "The Flying Sikh"

Milkha Singh was an Indian track and field sprinter who overcame significant personal tragedies to become a national hero. He won gold medals in the Asian and Commonwealth Games and narrowly missed an Olympic medal in 1960.

Ajaypal Singh Banga

Ajaypal Singh Banga — President of the World Bank

Former Mastercard CEO, Ajay Banga is now leading global financial initiatives as President of the World Bank.

Ranbir Kaur

Ranbir Kaur — First Sikh Woman in U.S. Armed Forces

Ranbir Kaur, originally from Punjab, joined the U.S. National Guard at 17, becoming the first Sikh woman in U.S. military history. She heroically rescued the Guru Granth Sahib Ji during Hurricane Katrina.

Fauja Singh

Fauja Singh — Oldest Marathon Runner

Fauja Singh, “The Turbaned Tornado,” completed multiple marathons past the age of 90. At 100, he became the first centenarian to finish a full marathon.

Dr. Harminder Singh Dua

Dr. Harminder Singh Dua — Discoverer of Dua’s Layer in the Human Eye

In 2013, Prof. Dua discovered a sixth previously unknown layer of the cornea, called “Dua’s Layer.” He is a globally respected ophthalmologist and CBE honoree.

Harmeet Kaur Dhillon

Harmeet Kaur Dhillon — Top American Civil Rights Lawyer

Founder of the Dhillon Law Group, Harmeet is a leading figure in constitutional law and civil rights advocacy in the U.S.

Sarbjot Singh Johal

Sarbjot Singh Johal — England’s Youngest Football Club Owner

At just 20, Sarbjot Singh Johal acquired a majority stake in Morecambe FC, becoming England’s youngest football club owner.

Gurvindervir Singh

Gurvindervir Singh — Fastest Man in India

Gurvindervir Singh set the Indian national 100m sprint record at 10.20 seconds, becoming the fastest man in India.

Dr. Jasdeep Kaur Cheema

Dr. Jasdeep Kaur Cheema — Trailblazing Sikh Dentist

First Sikh female to win the Denoda Award, Dr. Cheema is transforming lives through cutting-edge dental implant techniques in the USA.

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